Millions of drivers have been slapped with hefty fines and penalty points for a common driving offence, which could cause huge safety risks on UK roads.
New research has revealed that 6.9 million motorists have been penalised with points on their licences for ignoring red traffic signals at some stage in their driving history.
The study discovered that one in five UK motorists has committed this serious traffic violation over the last 12 months.
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The findings emerge as traffic enforcement cameras become increasingly prevalent across Britain's road network, making detection of red light violations far more likely than in previous years.
Nearly seven million drivers have been slapped with fines for driving through red lights in the UK
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According to analysis, incidents caught by cameras have almost doubled since 2021, highlighting both the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of automated enforcement systems in catching offenders who disregard traffic signals.
Official figures from the DVLA showed that 19,734 motorists across the UK were hit with penalty points for breaching traffic signal regulations during 2024.
Running a red light typically results in a £100 fine and three penalty points on a driving licence. But in more serious offences or repeat violations, this could lead to a court appearance and a higher fine of up to £1,000.
The capital bore the brunt of these infractions, with London drivers accounting for 3,950 violations, representing one-fifth of the national total.
Transport for London's extensive network of 248 automated red light enforcement cameras contributed to the high detection rate in the capital.
Drivers can be fined as much as £1,000 for running a red light in the UK
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The West Midlands ranked second with 811 drivers penalised, while Leicestershire recorded 670 violations.
The research uncovered concerning attitudes towards amber traffic signals, with 37 per cent of motorists confessing they fail to comply with Highway Code requirements.
Despite 61 per cent of drivers stating they halt their vehicles when safe to do so, a quarter deliberately continue through amber signals.
Nicholas Mantel, Head of Churchill Motor Insurance, warned: "Every driver can relate to the split-second dilemma faced when a green light turns to amber; sometimes it is not entirely clear whether to step on the brake or keep going. However, running a red light is not only dangerous, but also illegal."
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Motorists also cited multiple justifications for their amber light behaviour, with the prospect of waiting at signals frustrating 39 per cent, while 37 per cent mistakenly believed that amber served merely as an advance warning.
Fear of rear-end collisions motivated 35 per cent to continue, with just under a quarter simply maintaining longstanding habits and 19 per cent hoping to prevent aggressive reactions from following vehicles.
Frustration with lengthy signal cycles motivated 15 per cent to rush through, while 11 per cent accelerated to avoid blocking junction boxes, and the absence of enforcement cameras encouraged nine per cent to ignore amber warnings.
Heavy traffic conditions and solo driving were found to influence eight per cent of motorists to accelerate, while seven per cent admitted to rushing amber signals when attempting to change lanes.
Drivers in London were found to be more likely to cross red lights
| GETTYThese scenarios demonstrated how external pressures and perceived opportunities combine to encourage risky decision-making at traffic signals.
Drivers were also recorded to have experienced varied emotional reactions after proceeding through amber or red signals.
Guilt affected 32 per cent, while 29 per cent feel anxious and 22 per cent become nervous. Alarmingly, six per cent report feeling happy, with another six per cent experiencing an adrenaline rush.